How to Prune Your Christmas Cactus for Lush Blooms Timing: Prune after flowering, during the growth phase, until late spring. Technique: Remove up to one-third of the plant, cutting off the stem tips for fuller growth. Propagation: Take Y-shaped cuttings, 3-4 segments long, from the parent cactus. Preparation: Toast or cut the stems at the joints; let the cuttings heal for up to four days. Planting: Use a soil mixture of moist peat and sand; add pumice for drainage. Follow these tips for beautiful blooms year after year. Happy gardening!